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Original poster

How to complain about vaccine grouping?

143 replies

Watchingbehindmyhands · 17/02/2021 14:00

So, I am eligible for the vaccine in group 6 because of my BMI (over 40). I am fortunate to rarely be ill and have very little contact with my GP. I have in writing from my GP that the groupings come from NHS England and that they therefore can’t change my current grouping of 9 to 6 as a result.

Has anyone else had this experience? Is there a way through to challenge it?

OP posts:
rainbowunicorn · 17/02/2021 16:40

@islockdownoveryet are you on the wrong thread or have you just not read the OP?

The OP is trying to get herself onto the correct list for a vaccine. Not sure how you have come to the conclusion that she is making things difficult or wants to be in lockdown forever. Very strange response.

Original poster
Watchingbehindmyhands · 17/02/2021 16:48

@MilkTwoSugarsThanks

No, never declined to be weighed. Last time I remember being weighed was when I was pregnant which would be 12 years ago now. I was probably over 40 bmi at that point too.

OP posts:
Original poster
Watchingbehindmyhands · 17/02/2021 16:51

@islockdownoveryet

not really sure what you're getting at?

OP posts:
Perpetualheadache · 17/02/2021 16:52

Their machine?! Fucking jobsworths. Every gp I've been to has a measuring tape mounted to the wall and a set of scales IN EVERY ROOM.

OpheliasCrayon · 17/02/2021 16:55

@Watchingbehindmyhands

Thank you for those who have understood the issue. Everyone else, well, I am afraid that says way more about you than me.

I have had a reply to the question how do I go about getting my correct height/weight details updated with you? The response was: 'You would need to find somewhere that can take your height and weight so then your BMI could be recorded. Unfortunately, due to COVID our machine is out of action'

So my next move is the practise manager?

Goodness they're not making this easy for you are they!

They seem to be happy for you to give them the info though yourself ? So if you could go to your local boots they usually have scales which provide a print out?

I think you could try and do that, give them the information and then if they don't accept that THEN the practice manager ?

And as for the nastiness on the thread - I think some people are very quick to forget that begins every random username there is a real human person. With actual feelings.

I'm sorry people have been shitty to you OP when all you're trying to do is get the correct info to the correct people so you can get the vaccination you're supposed to have !

nancywhitehead · 17/02/2021 16:57

Have you had an appointment with an actual GP or just spoken to reception?

If you haven't spoken to a GP, get an appointment. If you have to say what it's for to reception just say it's to discuss your weight or something. And then tell the GP what your current weight is and that you believe you should be getting a Covid vaccine.

I have had a phone appointment with a GP recently where they needed my weight, and I was allowed to just weigh myself at home and tell them.

It's ridiculous that you need a Covid vaccine and are being told you can't have one because of Covid! Just keep ringing and ringing until you get somewhere because you are entitled to it.

BungleandGeorge · 17/02/2021 16:59

www.boots.com/nhs-services/nhs-health-check-service

Pharmacies link to the same clinical system as the GP (just not in such depth). They may actually be able to enter weight straight in there for you but in any case this will be sent to the GP from a HCP so shouldn’t be any need for arguments. This may be your easiest option if available (other pharmacies over this too)

nancywhitehead · 17/02/2021 17:02

@islockdownoveryet

Just get the vaccine when told . Why are people making things difficult? . I’m starting to suspect that many are quite happy to be in this forever.
What an odd comment.

OP is entitled to the vaccine now as she is in group 6. She is clinically vulnerable and the sooner she gets it, the better. She's not "making things difficult" - she is trying to keep herself safe from a deadly virus Confused

ShouldIgonow · 17/02/2021 17:06

I didn’t find OP clear - but now I get it!

So I’ve had to do something similar re issues with my chest in the past. I had an appointment regarding another issue I have (under active thyroid) I mentioned to the GP my chest issue and I got moved groups.

So can you book an appointment for something else then say my BMI is over 40 how do I update that with you so I’m in the right group for my vaccine.

Original poster
Watchingbehindmyhands · 17/02/2021 17:06

Thanks, @BungleandGeorgem that would have worked really well but unfortunately not available locally. I will have a look at Lloyd’s and see what they do.

I think I will sleep,on it and try for an appointment tomorrow.

OP posts:
CaffiSaliMali · 17/02/2021 17:07

Does your surgery have an eConsult service? Mine does on their website and you fill in a form and a Dr reviews it and calls you. If they do you could explain the situation to a doctor that way without being refused by reception?

I had to do this recently to get a repeat prescription of my pill. I had to take my own weight and blood pressure at home and send it to them in a special form they sent me. The eConsult service allows you to upload a photo.

I was also told I could use the scales in reception if needed. Surprised they won't let you come in to be weighed - it would only take a couple of minutes.

SurvivalIsInsufficient · 17/02/2021 17:10

Being fat is clinically vulnerable?

OpheliasCrayon · 17/02/2021 17:11

@SurvivalIsInsufficient

Being fat is clinically vulnerable?
Yes......
BungleandGeorge · 17/02/2021 17:13

@Watchingbehindmyhands

Thanks, *@BungleandGeorgem* that would have worked really well but unfortunately not available locally. I will have a look at Lloyd’s and see what they do.

I think I will sleep,on it and try for an appointment tomorrow.

Boots have a good website but the will pretty much all do them as it’s an nhs contract. Or if you have one local pharmacy you use just pop in and ask or give them a ring at a quiet time (first thing). I think they will probably be more helpful than your surgery by the sounds of it!
Boulshired · 17/02/2021 17:14

I know someone with the same problem, they cannot get weighed as all appointments are virtual and they then decide if suitable to come to the surgery. They do not view being weighed as a justifiable reason for her to have an appointment. I also know a few carers who thought they were on the list at the GPs to find out there forms were out of date so also not on 6 and had to wait for the paperwork to be sent.

DoubleDeckerBusRideLover · 17/02/2021 17:14

@SurvivalIsInsufficient

Being fat is clinically vulnerable?
Yes, for Covid it has been identified as a risk factor,
GintyMcGinty · 17/02/2021 17:16

They really are giving you the run around.

I would make a complaint www.complaintsdepartment.co.uk/nhs-england/#:~:text=%20How%20to%20complain%20about%20NHS%20England%20,services%20which%20prevent%20disease,%20promote%20health...%20More

and get in touch with your MP as well.

DarceyDashwood · 17/02/2021 17:19

@SurvivalIsInsufficient

Being fat is clinically vulnerable?
Since very very very early on having a high BMI has been a known risk factor. But I’m sure you knew that already
crossstitchingnana · 17/02/2021 17:21

@Watchingbehindmyhands

My BMI puts me in group 6. GP says I am group 9 and they cannot change it. How can I challenge that?
You could always lose some weight to help.
Butterfly44 · 17/02/2021 17:21

All those talking about clarity. The original post was certainly not clear, her later posts were. Quite a few questioned it, not just one person.

1forAll74 · 17/02/2021 17:22

I was just wondering about the vaccine, and age groups etc, I had my first vaccine on Monday, I am 78, I asked my son about having the vaccine for him, as he will be 50 in August, he is paralysed from the chest down after an accident years ago, so has to be in a wheelchair of course. I thought he would have been offered the vaccine by now, but no notification at all as yet. I have asked him to contact the GP now,to see what they say.

OpheliasCrayon · 17/02/2021 17:23

@crossstitchingnana

I have a question

Why can't you either
a) be nice
Or
b) say nothing?

Okokokbear · 17/02/2021 17:23

@lughnasadh

Oh, my bad. Your OP was unclear.

You'll be vaccinated eventually I guess.

Get weighed?

It really wasn't unclear
Theredjellybean · 17/02/2021 17:24

Before you all want to make formal complaints etc... Think about it.. The surgery have no evidence the op has a bmi of 40+
Whatz to stop anyone of us emailing in ht and wts to give ourselves bmis 40 to get a vaccine?
The gp cannot change your priority group, it's not their fault ffs.
You need to get weighed and measured... The pharmacies usually can do this and then you records can be updated and you can be moved into the right group.
But ffs GPS, nurses etc are working their socks off to get vaccines done, doing tge day job as well, etc etc.... And some of you want to write formal complaint which will make yet more work for the GP.
honestly I despair

Fullofpudding · 17/02/2021 17:24

I've had the opposite. Had a BMI of over 40 at the beginning of the pandemic. Lost over 8 stone and I had my vaccine yesterday as the doctor said he couldn't change my weight without seeing me and the nurse's appointments are for things of a higher priority so no chance to weigh in.